I am a big supporter of Billy and I think he will get this program where it needs to go. However I do feel that he has been behind in using the transfer portal to his advantage. We did hit on Mertz, Pearsall etc, so we have had some success but the portal can really make a difference in improving your team quickly and I would like to see us hit it really hard this year. What are your thoughts on this, and what areas do you think we need to really go after?
I think the obvious answers would be OL and LB. Even though we have plenty of talent coming in at LB, they’ll still be young. Personally I’d love to see us take a couple of playmakers at WR. Again, we will have talent in Mizell and Jean along with Wilson, but I would like to see us get a proven commodity (like FSU with Coleman) who can take the top off a defense. Van Jefferson was an elite route runner who could blow by you and I think we could definitely use someone like that.
Lineman Lineman Lineman Lineman Skill positions are a dime a dozen. Offensive and Defensive success is built on a quality line.
They took some LB's this year....one of which I've seen on the field only once (the OSU transfer) and the other has played a lot since James got hurt but has been less than impactful. Its not just about getting some warm bodies...if they are going to go to the portal they have to score more hits.
Depends on who transfers out. I started a thread that shows the numbers...We must lose 12 to make room for the current class. So, assuming we lose another 8....then we'll have 8 open slots to give to transfers/HS kids. Those 8 would have to be used at positions where we're thin, first and foremost, then positions where we're weak. Just too soon to really KNOW where to prioritize transfer slots, especially because we don't know how the coaches view the depth chart. Our 2 true freshmen safeties are going to be really good, but if Moten transfers out, then we likely have to make room for 1 incoming transfer at Safety. At OL, we are projected to have 19 on the roster next season....19!!. If we lose some starters to the portal, then we MUST bring in some bodies. But what if we only lose some OL that are buried on the depth chart, which means 7 of the top 8 return? Then perhaps we only accept an elite OL as an incoming transfer....Well, IF the coaches like the younger guys. Just too soon to know for sure....
We will be very active at: OL 1-2 likely WR 1-2 likely. 1 if we get a big timer LB- 1 DL- 1-2 top need is edge guy that can truly rush the passer. Safety- 1 looking at immediate impact guy.